Scarlett Johansson to young voters: Get involved

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Actress Scarlett Johansson scolded fellow young voters on Thursday for failing to turn out in past elections, asking "why are we speaking with half our voice" when the choice in November could have sweeping repercussions for issues they care about.

"You know who I'm voting for. I'm not going to tell you who to vote for. I'm here to ask you to commit to vote," she said in a speech to the Democratic National Convention.

"Whether we can get health care, afford college, be guaranteed equal pay—all of these things are at great, great risk. And that's why I'm here today—to use whatever attention I'm fortunate enough to receive to shed the spotlight on what's at stake for all of us," she said.

"In 2008, less than half of all eligible voters between the ages of 18 and 24 voted—less than half. Young America, why are we speaking with half our voice when so many issues at stake here directly affect us?" she asked.

The actress, who starred in this summer's "The Avengers," recalled her mother, a registered Democrat, bringing her into the voting booth when she was young and telling her which buttons to press and when to pull the lever.

"Is that even legal? I don't know. I don't think so," she said as some in the crowd chuckled.